AFP Mentorship Program

” The AFP Mentoring Program was a breakthrough experience for me. This is the deepest connection and most genuine friendship I’ve ever made with another AFP Member.”

“My Mentor has been a fountain of information, becoming a mentor in both my professional and personal Iife. I feel better prepared to support our patients and clients through annual giving strategies.”

-Mentee Participants

The Central Ohio AFP Chapter has a vibrant and active mentorship program. The program is an opportunity for our seasoned professional fundraisers to mentor and support fundraising professionals who have been in the field for one to five years. Mentees and mentors must be chapter members. There is no charge to participate in the program. Mentees are required to serve on one of the chapter’s standing committees during their mentorship year.

The program begins in January and pairings are encouraged to meet at least eight times throughout the year. Each pair decides its own meeting schedule and agenda of topics to cover through the year.

There is an application process, which commences in late fall preceding the January kick-off. Pairings are based on skill set and areas of expertise.

“I chose to serve as a Mentor because it’s a unique opportunity to take moments and genuinely listen to the next generation of fundraising professionals. It’s so rewarding to hear their enthusiastic ideas for their work and the aspirations they have for their careers.”

Financial support for AFP Central Ohio’s Mentorship Program is provided by the

Dale Abrams and Elliot T. Fishman Fund of The Columbus Foundation.

MENTORS

Consider applying as a Mentor if: You have at least 5 years of professional experience, and wish to leave a legacy in the future of fundraising and development in Central Ohio!See eligibility requirements below and on the application.

Consider applying as a Mentee if: You have at least 1 year of experience and are interested in having a Mentor to assist in your growth as a fundraising professional. While we welcome those new to the field, we also encourage applicants with some fundraising experience and welcome anyone with under 5 years of experience! See eligibility requirements below and on the application. Mentee Application: https://goo.gl/forms/yg1W0v1TkJf87TBj1

FUNDRAISING FELLOW (New program for 2019)

Consider applying as a Fundraising Fellow if: You have 5-12, or 12+ years of fundraising experience. In this pilot year, Fundraising Fellows will engage in a monthly “learning community” of peers to further your professional development on another level. Depending on participation, we may create one group or two based on years of experience (a group 5-12, a second group 12+). Take advantage of this amazing network of peers in our AFP community, and get the most out of your membership as an experienced professional!

Mentees must be employed as a full-time paid development professional at a nonprofit organization for a minimum of one year.

Mentees are expected serve on an AFP committee during their mentoring experience.

Mentees and mentors are encouraged to meet at least eight times during the year.

Mentors must have a minimum of five years of experience as a full-time development professional.

Mentors and mentees must attend the kickoff meeting in January 2018 —date, time, and place TBA.

Here are some reflections by those involved in the program:

My role as a volunteer mentor has been an amazing experience! I am volunteering to do it again!

My mentor and I have been meeting regularly. She’s been wonderful. It’s been so valuable to have her ideas, feedback, and (most of all) reassurance.

I have absolutely loved being a mentee, and I am so grateful for the AFP. (My mentor) and I have continued to meet through the summer, and he has been really helpful just to vet ideas though and talk about issues with.

My mentee and I continue to meet monthly and it seems things are going very well in our partnership. My mentee provides positive feedback on our discussions, and any new actions she has integrated into her work.

Mentorship Program Matches
View Year:

Mentor

Mentee

Siobhan Boyd-NelsonDevelopment DirectorEquality Ohio Education Fund

Ali MozenterDevelopment DirectorMuscular Dystrophy Association

Emily CampbellDirector of DevelopmentColumbus Academy

Casandra UhlAssociate Director of DevelopmentOhio State University

Erich HunkerAssistant Head of School, Development & External RelationsColumbus Academy

Mary BirchardRelationship ManagerUnited Way of Central Ohio

Elizabeth KaneMajor Gift OfficerOtterbein University

Bethany EssmanStewardship and Campaign CoordinatorColumbus Academy

Julie NaporanoDirector of Development and CommunicationsCatholic Social Services

● Recruits and enlists volunteer committee members; monitors the work of volunteers to ensure timely completion of assignments.

● Provides chapter members, as mentees with the opportunity for a one year commitment to one­on­one assistance with a more experienced development professional. This will enhance their skills and knowledge as development professionals as well as be an enriching experience for the mentors.

● Track committee involvement of all mentees

● Recruits qualified mentors and eligible mentees to participate in the program.

● Reviews and modifies, as needed, application and evaluation forms.

● Communicates requirements of mentor/mentee relationships including length of pairings, number of meetings, and goals/objectives.

● Regularly communicates with and serves as an advisor to mentors and mentees to facilitate successful pairings.